Founded in 1856 by a 21-year-old draper's apprentice named Thomas Burberry, the eponymous luxury fashion house Burberry

From a Small Shop to a Global Luxury Powerhouse

Thomas Burberry opened his first store in Basingstoke, England, initially focusing on outdoor clothing. His breakthrough came in 1879 when he invented gabardine, a breathable yet waterproof fabric that revolutionized rainwear. This innovation laid the groundwork for the brand's most famous product: the Burberry trench coat, originally designed for British military officers in World War I.

By the early 20th century, Burberry became the outfitter of choice for explorers, aviators, and adventurers. The brand's reputation soared when Sir Ernest Shackleton wore Burberry gabardine during his Antarctic expeditions. This cemented the brand's association with durability and sophistication.

The Evolution of the Iconic Check

In the 1920s, the signature Burberry check—a camel, black, white, and red plaid pattern—was introduced as a lining for trench coats. This distinctive design element became so popular that by the 1960s, it was incorporated into everything from scarves to umbrellas. However, its overexposure in the 1990s led to its temporary withdrawal before being reintroduced in a more restrained manner in the 2000s.

Today, the Burberry check remains a coveted status symbol, evolving with modern interpretations while retaining its classic appeal. For a closer look at updated Burberry check designs, you can explore a Burberry product catalog here.

A Digital-First Luxury Brand

Under the creative direction of former Chief Creative Officer Riccardo Tisci (2018-2022), Burberry embraced bold changes, including a modernized logo and monogram. The brand also leads in digital innovation, becoming one of the first luxury houses to integrate NFTs and augmented reality (AR) shopping experiences.

Despite changing hands in ownership (currently under the Burberry Group plc), the brand maintains its core values: quality craftsmanship, functional elegance, and British heritage. Over 160 years since its founding, Burberry continues to redefine luxury fashion while staying true to its roots.